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Stratford selectboard considers request to allow Columbia residents at town transfer station
Summary
On May 5, 2025 the Stratford Selectboard heard an inquiry from a Columbia resident about allowing southern Columbia residents to use Stratford's transfer station; the board tabled the matter pending state guidance and review of a proposed fee schedule.
The Stratford Selectboard on May 5 considered an inquiry from a Columbia resident asking whether southern Columbia residents could use Stratford’s transfer station and discussed a proposed fee schedule to offset additional hauling costs.
Clayton Macdonald presented the request and a draft fee proposal, telling the board that allowing outside users would likely increase hauling tonnage and costs and therefore require fees to prevent overburdening the facility. Selectman Charles Goulet, who is the transfer-station manager, said current regulations authorize acceptance only from Stratford residents and that he would contact the state to determine whether the proposed arrangement would be legally permissible.
Board members discussed operational options presented by Macdonald, including requiring out-of-town users to obtain a certificate at the Stratford town office or issuing a sticker similar to systems used in nearby municipalities such as Colebrook. The board did not adopt a fee schedule or policy at the meeting and agreed to table the item pending further research, state clarification and review of hauling cost estimates.
The Selectboard did not set a timeline for a final decision. If the board approves outside use, it indicated that a permit or sticker system would be required and that fees would be structured to reflect any increased hauling costs to the town.
